Groundworks Apprentice
R M CONTRACTORS LTD
Recruiting nationally
Closes in 22 days (Friday 19 June 2026)
Posted on 28 May 2026
Contents
Summary
We're seeking enthusiastic Groundworks Apprentices to participate in our Groundworks Apprenticeship Programmes, with intakes starting in August and December '26.
The successful apprentices will be based in and around one of the following areas: Oxfordshire, Leicestershire or West Midlands.
- Wage
-
£18,720 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Groundworker (level 2)
- Hours
-
Weekly Hours: 07:30 to 16:30 Monday - Friday (07:30 - 15:30 if under 18yrs)
45 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 10 August 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
4
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Learning from experienced groundworkers and site managers, acquiring skills necessary for preparing sub-surfaces for structural work to being on-site
- Ensuring Health & Safety guidelines are always upheld
- Installing drainage systems
- Digging, shovelling and slabbing
- Levelling stone and raking tarmac
- Mixing of cement and concrete
- Executing final touches on hard landscaping projects
Where you'll work
Site locations are available in: Oxfordshire, Leicester & West Midlands. Apprentices must have either a full UK driving license or alternative reliable means of travelling to college (WS13) and allocated site.
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NHBC SERVICES LIMITED
Training course
Groundworker (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work safely and securely in compliance with given information, organisational policies and procedures, and current health, safety and welfare legislation including following the procedures for working in contaminated ground
- Conform with productive working practices and completing the work in accordance with the programme of work
- Interpret and follow verbal and written work instructions from supervisors and site managers
- Access, interpret and use drawings and specifications
- Select the required resources including tools and fixtures
- Move, handle and store resources complying with relevant legislation & guidance
- Use and maintain power tools and equipment (including;. compactor plates, boning rods, portable power tools, levels, straight edges, lines, pins and laser equipment)
- Gauge and mix mortars and concrete by hand and by mixer
- Select and use basic setting out equipment including tape measures, levels, straight edges, lines and pins, boning rods and laser equipment under guidance of the supervisor
- Install, maintain and remove temporary protection and safety arrangements for the work area relating to barriers and temporary structures, including protection, safety notices and safety lighting
- Install and test basic drainage and ducting
- Measure, mark, cut and install geo-membranes to stabilise soil for re-instatement and excavations
- Transport and place, then compact and finish concrete to slabs/bases, footing oversights, paths, form slab edgings including positioning reinforcement and kerbs
- Set out and lay flags, paviours and edging to paths, driveways and other areas
- Install ironworks relating to access covers and frames, and gully grates and frames including preparatory brickwork
- Locate and excavate to expose buried utility services using electronic location instruments
- Provide and remove temporary works including shallow excavation support (up to 1.2 metres)
- Form and reinstate excavations and surfaces to sub-grades, sub-bases and road bases
- Prepare to, then direct and guide the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery
Training schedule
Training will take place at NHBC College, WS13 8ES and on a construction site around either Oxfordshire, Leicestershire or West Midlands. Apprentices must have a full UK driving license or alternative, reliable means of travelling to college and site.
More training information
We Offer:
- A structured apprenticeship programme in Groundworks Apprenticeship, leading to a Level 2 qualification
- You’ll gain experience through both on-the-job learning and off-the-job training, this could include college day release, online workshops, and regular assessor visits
- Exposure to a construction environment, potentially leading to a long-term career path
- Career development opportunities within the company upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
Requirements
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
- Hold GCSEs in maths & English at Level 2 or above
- Be dedicated to undertaking the Level 2 Groundworks Apprentice Standard - minimum 18-months
- Be available to start work from 10th August 2026 or 23rd November 2026
- Can commute to NHBC College, WS13 8ES
- Have a full UK driving license or alternative reliable means of travelling to college and site
About this employer
RM Contractors have been delivering quality residential groundworks and civil engineering services for over 30 years. With regional offices in Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Leicestershire we're well positioned to serve the UK's leading house builders. Our experienced team and extensive fleet of machinery enable us to respond effectively to client needs while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration and safety. Our ethos centres on building long-term relationships with clients and delivering projects to a high standard.
We are committed to fostering a culture rooted in our four core values. These values guide how we engage with our customers and collaborate with one another, shaping our daily actions and decisions. Together, they drive our organisation forward.
Family & Community
As a family business, we are committed to wellbeing and keeping each other safe, healthy, and supported.
We celebrate our people, encouraging an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential.
We stay deeply connected to our community roots, giving back through local projects and initiatives to create a positive impact.
Dedicated Service
Committed to understanding client needs, delivering tailored solutions, and fostering trust through reliability and care.
Workmanship
We strive to take pride in our work by focusing on attention to detail and taking full accountability for every outcome. Safety and quality remain central to everything we do.
Through a culture of continuous improvement and alignment with our values, we strive to apply best practice techniques and uphold quality standards.
Innovation & Sustainability
We challenge ourselves to improve, embracing new ideas, products, and processes.
By prioritising longevity, we continuously assess the impact of our operations to create lasting structures and sustainable growth.
Our goal is to support clients in achieving energy-efficient and sustainable building solutions through eco-friendly practices.
After this apprenticeship
- Exposure to a construction environment, potentially leading to a long-term career path
- Career development opportunities within the company upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NHBC SERVICES LIMITED
careers@rmcontractors.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000033939.
Apply now
Closes in 22 days (Friday 19 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.